ERR_SSL, the SSL Protocol Error. Suddenly, the needed information vanishes from the webpage and you cannot access it.

This common issue arises when establishing an encrypted SSL/TLS connection with the website's server. Browsers block access without that secure handshake to protect your data.

Fortunately, the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is usually reversible with a few easy steps, despite its confusing nature. We'll identify the root reason and go over several fixes in this post so you may resume safe browsing. 

What is the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR?

The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR error is produced when a browser is unable to establish a secure connection with a website via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This notice could be the result of several things, such as an invalid, expired, or improperly configured SSL certificate on the website or issues with the browser's settings.

This error can also be brought on by outdated browser versions, erroneous system times, and interference from security software such as firewalls and antivirus applications. Generally, clearing the browser's cache, adjusting the system time, or disabling any conflicting security software will resolve the issue. 

Common Causes of the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

There are several potential causes for this error, from straightforward mistakes in the device's configuration to more complicated problems with the website's server. Frequently occurring causes include improper SSL/TLS setup, out-of-date browser versions, corrupted cookies and cache, browser extension interference, and excessively restrictive firewall or antivirus software.

This message may also be caused by server-side issues, such as incorrectly set or invalid SSL certificates, particularly if the website's security policies have not been updated. 

8 Ways To Fix ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR

Check the System Date and Time

A straightforward fix for the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is to check and modify your computer's date and time. Because SSL certificates have a set duration of validity, if your machine's date or time is off, the browser can think the certificate is invalid.

For example, if your system clock is set to a date that is past the certificate's validity term, the SSL handshake between your browser and the website will fail and result in the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

To fix this, confirm that the time and date on your computer are accurate. By setting most computers' date and time to synchronize automatically with an Internet time server, this issue can be prevented in the future.  

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Outdated or corrupted cached data is another frequent source of SSL-related issues. Cookies and cache are stored by your browser to help it remember site-specific preferences and load pages more quickly. Nevertheless, old or corrupted cache or cookies for a certain website may cause issues with SSL connections.

You can resolve these issues by emptying the cache and cookies in your browser, which forces the browser to receive fresh data and an SSL certificate from the website. To delete cookies and cache, navigate to your browser's settings, find the "Clear browsing data" option, and check the appropriate boxes. Make sure to remove the data from "All Time" to ensure that no old files are left behind.  

Update or Reinstall the Browser

The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR may also occur by using an out-of-date browser, particularly when SSL and TLS protocols change. To create safe connections, browsers must support the most recent security standards.

Errors may occur if your browser is outdated since it may not support the required protocols. Updating your browser regularly guarantees that it is compatible with newer SSL certificates and includes the newest security features.

You should think about deleting and reinstalling your browser if updating it doesn't fix the issue. Any faulty files or settings that could be the source of the issue can be removed with this approach. 

Disable Browser Extensions

Although browser extensions are useful tools that can improve your online experience, they can sometimes lead to problems, particularly when using SSL connections. The ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR may occur from blocking or changing SSL requests, especially in security and privacy extensions. Disable every extension and try visiting the website once more to troubleshoot.

Re-enable each extension individually to determine which is causing the issue if the error goes away. Once it has been located, you may either change its settings to stop interference or swap it out for a different one that doesn't result in SSL issues. 

Check for Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Antivirus and firewall software is crucial for defending your system against intrusions, but occasionally it gets overly vigilant and stops reputable SSL connections, which results in the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR. Try temporarily disabling your firewall and antivirus program and reconnecting to see if that resolves the problem.  

You might need to change the settings of these security programs if turning them off fixes the error. You may whitelist particular websites or SSL connections with the majority of firewalls and antivirus programs to make sure they are never blocked again. When doing this, use caution and make sure the website you are attempting to access is reliable. 

Verify the Website’s SSL Certificate

If you've looked into every potential issue on your end, the website's SSL certificate might be the problem. Websites must have a current SSL certificate to establish a secure connection. 

If the certificate is invalid, misconfigured, or issued by an untrusted certificate authority (CA), your browser will display the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR.

You can use internet tools like SSL Labs' SSL Test to verify that the website is SSL-certified. These sites provide in-depth information about the certificate's validity, issuer, and configuration. If you find any issues with the certificate, get in contact with the website administrator.

Reset Your Network Settings

Network configurations or settings might occasionally cause issues for SSL connections. If the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR is being caused by underlying problems with your DNS server, IP address, or other network-related configurations, you may be able to fix them by resetting your network settings.

Resetting your router or updating your network settings with command-line utilities like ifconfig for Linux and macOS and ipconfig for Windows can accomplish this. SSL error-related problems can also be fixed by wiping the DNS cache or using an alternative DNS server, like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. 

Read More: How to Fix the DNA_PROBE_FINISHED_ NXDOMAIN Error?

Conclusion

Although the ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR can be annoying, it is frequently fixable by taking care of the several possible reasons on the client and server sides. Every action you take, no matter how small or large adjusting SSL/TLS settings, deleting browser cache, modifying your system's date and time, or getting in touch with the website's administrator can get you one step closer to finding a solution.

You may typically restore secure access to websites and carry on browsing uninterruptedly by carefully debugging these possible problems. If none of these fixes resolve the issue, it could be worthwhile to see a specialist to identify more esoteric sources.